Where political analysis fails, neurology may afford some answers – Muhammad Azam

Dishonesty is an integral part of our social order. Everyone lies to some extent. Whether it be a trivial “you look fine” or covering up a scandal at the office, lies are ever present in our interactions. A recent groundbreaking neurological study proved that a history of self-serving dishonest behavior changes the structure of neurological circuits responsible for forming perceptions, severely reducing one’s capacity for clarity of thought.

When pushed beyond reasonable limits, dishonest behavior renders the perpetrator incapable of perceiving and responding to reality effectively. Behavioral scientists looking to research the max-end of dishonest behavior on the Pareto curve would find an abundance of candidates in the routed political elite of Pakistan.

Unfortunately, it may well be that neuroscientists are better equipped than political analysts for providing an explanation for the frenzy of fantastical allegations being hurled by Pakistan’s political hegemony. On the factual plane, claiming that the elections were rigged because: (a) an (unspecified) number of polling agents were expelled from the vote counting chambers; and (b) there was a delay in the release of Form 45s is a ludicrous notion.

The strategic counselors of both vanquished kings seem to have departed for a well-deserved sojourn. Leaving behind the crazed Leviathan of orthodox politics in its final death throws.

Firstly, at precisely how many of the 85,307 polling stations did such incidents occur? Secondly, there is no question that even if such incidents did take place at a few polling stations, there would have been some sign of commotion and protest on Election Day. With international observers and media present on ground and local TV channels running 24 hour broadcasts, this was one of the most widely covered elections in history.

It is out of question that the logistics of engineering elections on polling day would pass unnoticed, barring the possibility that the notorious “khalai makhlooq” literally disapparated into the night with bags full of votes. Despite the fact that elections in Pakistan are always controversial, the electoral process does possess certain safeguards.

With the advent of computerized ID cards, National Database and Registration Authority has the capability to verify every single vote cast. There has been no resistance whatsoever from either the ECP or the PTI with regards to the verification of votes. As a rule, truth has a way of manifesting itself in reality, thwarting all those who seek to manipulate it, and restoring balance to nature. Nature may still have a lesson or two for those who have and continue to propagate the lifestyle of sleaze.

Rejecting the outcome of the general elections makes even less sense on the strategic plane. With Imran Khan inviting all defeated candidates to a transparent process of verification in constituencies where the results are deemed controversial, there is no resistance on which a movement can be fed. The path to which the corrupt bourgeoisie have committed themselves will only lead to the consolidation of their image as a pack of thieves, reaffirming the voter’s rejection of their creed.

Behavioral scientists looking to research the max-end of dishonest behavior on the Pareto curve would find an abundance of candidates in the routed political elite of Pakistan.

A far superior strategy would have been to accept the defeat gracefully, take advantage of the newly elected government’s desire for decorum, organize an intimidating opposition, and pounce on the inevitable blunders of Khan’s inexperienced team. The most important benefit of this course of action would have been the rehabilitation of the image of the ousted PML-N and battered PPP. Instead of crying wolf, displaying maturity, dignity and calm in defeat would have provided an advantageous contrast to the flamboyant tendencies of PTI.

Thus, both PML-N and PPP could leverage their legacies and begin to rebuild trust with their aggrieved base. Alas, it wasn’t meant to be. The strategic counselors of both vanquished kings seem to have departed for a well-deserved sojourn. Leaving behind the crazed Leviathan of orthodox politics in its final death throws.

Muhammad Azam is a legal practitioner and a political analyst. The views expressed in this article are author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Global Village Space’s editorial policy.

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